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Compiled byMurlin Evans,Richard May andJulie SherrierRent-to-own dealersencouraged to participatein TV converter boxcoupon programRent-to-own dealers who still have analogtelevision sets in their inventory or outon rent may want to consider registeringwith the National Telecommunicationsand Information Agency as certified retailers of thenew converter boxes. Rent-to-own dealers who registerwith the NTIA will then be able to take advantageof the much-touted $40 coupon program.As has been widelyreported, the cut-off dateof all analog broadcastswill be effective February17, 2009. It is estimatedthat 14.3 million householdsrely on over-the-airbroadcasts (using antennasand analog sets) anddo not have cable or satelliteservice, which willautomatically convertanalog to digital service.Those 14.3 householdswill need converter boxesby the 2009 deadline.NTIA began itsconverter box couponprogram January 1, 2007.The converter boxeswill cost between $40and $70. Converter boxmanufacturers have to beapproved and certified bythe government beforethey can sell the boxes.So far, 19 converter boxmodels are eligible forpurchase with the coupon,reports the U.S. Departmentof Commerce.The deadline to registeras a certified converterbox retailer is March 31,2008. Consumer electronicsretailers interestedin participatingin the program can call866/296-1107 or visit theNTIA Web site at www.ntiadtv.gov. A total of33.5 million coupons areavailable. NTIA ActingDeputy Assistant SecretaryMeredith Bakerreported that in the firstweek of the coupon program,more than 1 millionhouseholds requested2 million coupons.RentDirect NationwideExecutive Director JamesMacAlpine is consideringthe possibility of adding akiosk during the RentDirectNationwide show inDallas, March 2–5, whereRTO dealers can signup electronically to becertified converter box retailers.“Having these converterboxes available foryour customers who stillhave analog televisionswould be a great customerservice,” says MacAlpine.Currently, eight of thelargest consumer electronicsretailers, includingBest Buy, CircuitCity, Kmart, RadioShack,February-March 2008 7